Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is the most anticipated and widely celebrated festival in India. In 2025, Diwali falls on Monday, October 20, with the main celebration on Tuesday, October 21. This five-day festival, starting from Dhanteras on October 18, culminates with Bhai Dooj on October 23.
While cities like Varanasi and Jaipur are renowned for their Diwali festivities, India offers a plethora of destinations where the festival is celebrated with unique traditions, vibrant markets, and spiritual fervor. Here are some of the best places to experience Diwali in India.
Best Places To Experience Diwali In India
Varanasi: Spiritual Glow on the Ghats
Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, offers a mesmerizing Diwali experience. The ghats along the Ganges are illuminated with thousands of diyas, creating a surreal reflection on the water. The special Ganga Aarti performed during Diwali adds to the divine atmosphere.
But the celebrations don’t end there — Varanasi also hosts Dev Diwali, which falls on November 4, 2025 (15 days after Diwali). On this day, the ghats are lit with over a million lamps to honor Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura, making it one of the most breathtaking spectacles in India. Many travelers time their trip to witness both festivals — Diwali and Dev Diwali — for a double dose of magic.
Highlights:
- Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Boat rides during the evening to witness the illuminated ghats
- Traditional markets selling handcrafted diyas and sweets
How to Reach
- By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (22 km from the city centre).
- By Train: Varanasi Junction connects with all major cities.
- By Road: Well-connected by NH2 and NH19 to Lucknow, Delhi, Patna.
Jaipur: The Pink City Illuminated
Jaipur transforms into a wonderland during Diwali. The entire city, especially Johari Bazaar and Nahargarh Fort, glows with lights and decorations. Markets overflow with festive energy, making shopping an absolute delight.
Highlights:
- Illumination of palaces and forts
- Traditional Rajasthani sweets and snacks like ghewar, fini, bhujia, and more
- Cultural performances and folk music
How to Reach
- By Air: Jaipur International Airport (12 km from city centre).
- By Train: Jaipur Junction has excellent rail connectivity.
- By Road: 5–6 hours from Delhi via Delhi–Jaipur Expressway.
Amritsar: Golden Temple’s Glow
Amritsar’s Golden Temple becomes a vision of gold and light during Diwali. Fireworks over the shimmering waters of the holy sarovar and the temple’s sparkling reflection make it a magical destination for the festival.
Highlights:
- Fireworks display over the Golden Temple
- Langar (community kitchen) serving festive meals
- Traditional Sikh prayers and hymns
How to Reach
- By Air: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (11 km from temple).
- By Train: Amritsar Junction is a major rail hub.
- By Road: 6–7 hours from Delhi via NH54.
Ayodhya: The City of Lord Rama
As the legendary birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya holds immense cultural and religious significance during Diwali. The city celebrates with grand processions, oil lamps, and cultural performances that bring the Ramayana to life.
Highlights:
- Deepotsav: Lighting of over a million diyas
- Cultural performances depicting scenes from the Ramayana
- Processions with traditional music and dance
How to Reach
- By Air: Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya (8 km from city).
- By Train: Ayodhya Dham Junction is well-connected.
- By Road: Lucknow (135 km) is the nearest metro city.
Goa: Beachside Fireworks
Goa offers a unique Diwali experience with its beachside celebrations. The coastal state’s vibrant nightlife and beach parties add a modern twist to the traditional festival.
Highlights:
- Beach parties with music and dance
- Fireworks displays over the Arabian Sea
- Traditional Goan sweets and seafood delicacies
How to Reach
- By Air: Manohar International Airport (North Goa), Dabolim Airport (South Goa).
- By Train: Madgaon & Vasco da Gama stations.
- By Road: 10–12 hrs from Mumbai via NH66.
Udaipur: City of Lakes
Udaipur, known as the City of Lakes, offers a serene Diwali experience. The illuminated palaces and temples reflected in the lakes create a picturesque setting.
Highlights:
- Illumination of City Palace and Jag Mandir
- Boat rides on Lake Pichola
- Traditional Mewari cuisine and sweets
How to Reach
- By Air: Maharana Pratap Airport (22 km).
- By Train: Udaipur City railway station links to Delhi, Mumbai.
- By Road: 6–7 hours from Jaipur, 10 hours from Ahmedabad.
Kolkata: Fusion of Diwali & Kali Puja
In Kolkata, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja. The entire city resonates with chants, artistic pandals, and vibrant lights. From the ghats of the Hooghly River to the streets of North Kolkata, the festive energy is unmatched.
Highlights:
- Kali Puja celebrations with elaborate pandals
- Fireworks displays over the Hooghly River
- Traditional Bengali sweets and delicacies
How to Reach
- By Air: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.
- By Train: Howrah & Sealdah are major terminals.
- By Road: Well-connected by NH19 and NH16.
Delhi: The Capital’s Grand Celebrations
Delhi, the capital city, offers a blend of traditional and modern Diwali celebrations. The city’s markets are adorned with lights, and the atmosphere is filled with festive cheer.
Highlights:
- Illumination of historical monuments like the Red Fort
- Shopping at Chandni Chowk for festive goods
- Fireworks displays in various parts of the city
How to Reach
- By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport.
- By Train: New Delhi Railway Station, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Old Delhi Junction.
- By Road: Linked with Jaipur, Agra, Chandigarh via expressways.
Hyderabad: Sadar Festival
In Hyderabad, the Yadav community celebrates the Sadar festival, also known as Dunnapothula Panduga, by decorating and parading buffaloes through the streets.
Highlights:
- Buffalo parades with decorated animals
- Traditional music and dance by the Yadav community
- Cultural festivities and community gatherings
How to Reach
- By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.
- By Train: Secunderabad, Hyderabad Deccan, and Kacheguda stations.
- By Road: Excellent highway connectivity with Bangalore, Vijayawada.
Summing Up
India’s Diwali celebrations are as diverse as its culture and traditions. Whether you’re seeking spiritual experiences, cultural immersion, or festive fun, there’s a destination for every traveler. From the spiritual glow of Varanasi’s ghats to the beachside fireworks in Goa, each city offers a unique way to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Plan your trip to one of these destinations and immerse yourself in the magic of Diwali 2025.
